A massive R124 million PowerBall jackpot has South Africa buzzing, but not just with excitement. Allegations of foul play are circulating online, questioning the legitimacy of the win and the winner's potential connection to lottery operator Ithuba.
Ithuba Denies Allegations of Rigged Jackpot
The controversy erupted after a viral message on X (formerly Twitter), purportedly from a former Ithuba senior employee, claimed that jackpot wins are being manipulated to secure the company's license renewal. The message alleged that jackpots are strategically awarded to individuals close to the company, rather than randomly.
Another viral message echoed these claims, suggesting that Ithuba is paying people to generate buzz around PowerBall jackpots and that wins are not genuine.
Ithuba's Strong Rebuttal
Ithuba has vehemently denied these accusations. Speaking to The Citizen, the lottery operator emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and integrity. According to Ithuba, all draws are conducted using a secure, independently audited process that is fully automated and free from human intervention.
The company further clarified that the R124 million winner purchased their ticket through the Absa banking app, highlighting that "anyone, anywhere, can win." Ithuba stated that it cannot know or influence who the next winner will be.
Transparency and Trust in Lottery Systems
The allegations raise important questions about trust and transparency in lottery systems. While Ithuba maintains the integrity of its processes, the controversy underscores the need for continued vigilance and independent oversight to ensure fairness and public confidence.
The incident also serves as a reminder to be cautious of unverified information circulating on social media and to rely on credible sources for news and updates.